Winter / Spring 2011
Inside this issue: Board Cha irman Message "Sensory Magic"
Challenge and Adventure on the Sensory Trail
Spotlight On Success ■
Award Winners
The Spir it of Giving ■
Corporate Citizenship ■ Wish List
Ways to Give ■ Day of Caring ■ Volunteers Ice Cream &
Awards
Hoedown Report From the Horse's Mouth ■ Nift y voted
Horse of the Year
High Hopes Happenings ■ Annual
Meeting Board Members ■ Winter Concert ■ Horse Show Days ■ Concert in the Barn ■
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The High Hopes Rider is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Wendy Knight at Ext. 19.
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HIGH
HOPES
Thera peutic Riding.Inc. Pho ne: 860 .434 .1974 Fax: 860 .434 .3723
www .highhopes t r.org
I
magine. You are six years old and it's your first semester riding at High Hopes. You've gotten used to your horse, Sonic - his pretty eyes and reddish color; his smooth, gliding walk, and bouncy, forward trot. You don't talk much and you see and feel the world differently than many others do - sounds seem louder or more disturbing, lights fascinate you, touch can be aggravating. Going new places is especially stressful for you. But you've gotten used to Sonic. You will even use your voice consistently to tell him: "Walk on." Then, your instructor says "Today, we're going on a trail ride." Your horse leader guides Sonic out of the indoor arena, towards the woods. You hear leaves crunch beneath Sonic's feet, but the sound is muted in a different way by the trees around you - a soothing way. You feel good out here and take a deep breath of sharp, fresh air. Sonic moves forward beneath you - one sure, long step at a time - and the trees pass by, and you feel - you are - peaceful and free. For almost twenty years, the sensory trail has provided a naturally rich environment for participants, where they can experience learning through play and adventure. In addition to the many activities and obstacles, the sensory trail offers participants an adventure. Consider the campers this past summer at High Hopes' inclusive summer camp. The children ride around the arena and learn the basics of horsemanship . Then, their instructor says, "Today, we're going to visit Critter Rock. This is the longest, most fun, most challenging trail at High Hopes!" Suddenly, the children are on a group adventure that has a quest-like element. It is necessary to read and follow the signs. One needs to assume a half seat position for an extended time to allow the horse to move freely up the steep hill. At the top of the long hill, all goes quiet and flat for a moment, and there sits the legendar y painted rock with its gaping tyrannosaurus grin.
ColbyVanDusenplaysbasketball.from Bert'sback. Volunteers Ben Quan, MargaretStracuzzi,and Harry Guiguimpport his efforts.
As riders navigate the trail they bu ild life skills: navigating a path, directionality and safety awareness. They also challenge themselves physically and engage all their senses. They learn to cooperate wit h others in order to reach a desti nation. All this in an atmosphere that is · natural, soothing, and fun. The sensory trail allows riders to invoke their sense of adventure, their sense of accomplishment, and their sense of self. The Sensory Trail: an ever-evolving, safe, creative space for explorat ion, challenge and learning.
LaurenSmith on Teddyplays tetherballwith sidewalkerWill Romeo.